The Public Health Division (PHD) has staff based in Noumea (New Caledonia), Suva (Fiji), Honiara (Solomon Islands) and Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia). It supports members in improving the health of Pacific Island people and communities by providing assistance in public health surveillance and prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Under PHD’s strategic plan 2013–2022, the division is organised into two programmes: (i) the Research, Evidence and Information (REI) Programme; and (ii) the Policy, Planning and Regulation (PPR) Programme. REI focuses on developing the evidence base and information for policy and actions directed at strengthening core public health functions in member countries and territories. The aim of this is to enable and support members to respond effectively to all public health threats rather than single disease or risk factors. PPR focuses on supporting the development of appropriate policy options in members in order to improve the health of Pacific people and contribute to national development plans. PHD’s overall goals are: (i) to improve population health and well-being, and prevent disease and injury; (ii) to reduce gender disparities in health; and (iii) to reduce the incidence of prevalent/priority diseases. Priority areas are: (i) non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention and control, including the major risk factors; (ii) communicable disease (CD) surveillance and response; and (iii) STI prevention and control, including HIV/AIDS.
The Senior Epidemiologist is a member of the Surveillance and Operational Research (SOR) team of the REI Programme and reports to the Team Leader. The role is responsible for strengthening and contributing to disease surveillance and response in Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs).
Applications due: 25th October 2015.
